Here Comes the Sun

Leila Denell walked off the campus and straight to her car, thanking God she did not have to work. Between helping her mother with her own at-home preschool, working at a local restaurant of a family friend, and college, Leila was feeling more than drained. She sat in the driver’s seat and took a few soothing breaths before putting her sunglasses on and turning the car on. It was actually nice out for once, with very little clouds in the sky. Leila decided to take advantage of this and go up to The Trail.
She drove through rows of house until reaching a dead end and parking her car. She got out and grabbed her gray cardigan from the back before walking past the gate and starting up the hill. Feeling slightly impatient, she hoped over the rail and walked over some boulders to make it to the train tracks quicker.
When she finally made it up there, she let out a tired sigh and sat on the tracks. She watched as a few birds flew by before she stood up and starting walking over the tracks. She followed them for about an hour until she reached where the trail looked over the small pond before turning back. She stopped mid-way to take a picture of the wall of rock she wished to rock climb one day before noticing numerous missed calls from her mother.
Leila checked her voicemail to find ten new messages all saying, “Leila, I thought you were coming home right after class?” or “Leila, please get home as soon as you can.” or “Alright, Leila, you have fifteen minutes to be home or I take your car keys for a week. I’m getting worried now.” She quickly texted her mother back, “Sorry, I thought I texted you saying I had to stop by the library on my way home…I guess you didn’t get it. Be there soon.”
Putting her phone in her pocket and picking up a light jog, Leila heard the faint sounds of motorbikes. Great, she thought, that’s exactly what I need right now. She picked up her pace to try and pass them quickly. After the fourth one rode by, her foot didn’t catch right on one of the stones and her ankle gave. Leila held her arm out and barely caught herself. Another bike was passing by and pulled over a few yards in front of her.
A boy hopped off of it and quickly walked to her while taking his helmet off.
"Are you okay?" The dark haired boy asked.
Leila looks down at her ankle, and in an embarrassed tone says, "No, I-I don't think so."
"Would you like a ride back to town?" He questioned, his eyes full of concern.
She took a moment to look him over, but something made her trust him. "That would be wonderful, thank you."
"I'm Zayn." He smiled and put his hand out. Leila shook it and he pulled her up gently, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to steady her and keep her weight off of her ankle.
"Leila." She weakly smiled back.
“That’s a lovely name.” Zayn said softly while helping her limp onto his bike.
“Thank you. Your’s is so…interesting.” She lamely stated back.
He chuckled, “Thanks.” And he, too, got on the bike. “Here, put this on,” He handed her an extra helmet. After it was on, Zayn kicked the kick stand and revved the engine before taking off. When they got to the end of the train tracks he pulls over and quieted the bike. “Which way?”
“Down the right path, please, and take the first left.”
“Alright.”
They quickly arrived at the gates and Leila attempted to get off before Zayn stopped her. He draped his arm over her again and asks, “What are you doing?”
“Going to my car.” She put it simply.
“I don’t know if you should be driving…” He said hesitantly.
“And why not?” She asked furiously.
“Because you can’t put any pressure on your ankle right now.” He stated.
“Oh, right….” Her eyes traveled to the ground and she cursed herself out in her head.
“Is that your car right there?” He pointed to the black Honda CR-Z and Leila nodded.
“I know a few people with that car, would it be okay if I drive you home?” He offered sweetly.
After a few moments of thinking, she looked at him, “Sure.”